MB’s Benton nets ACC award for record-setting field goal

Former Myrtle Beach High standout and Clemson kicker/punter/placeholder Spencer Benton was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Specialist of the Week on Monday following his record-breaking field goal in Saturday’s 52-27 win over Ball State.

Benton kicked an ACC record 61-yard field goal, breaking the previous Clemson record by four yards. It also broke the previous ACC record by 1 yard.

Benton’s boot came on the fina play before halftime and was just the fourth field goal of 60 yards or more at the FBS level this century. The fifth was kicked later in the afternoon by Andrew Furney of Washington State against Eastern Washington, a 60-yarder.

In addition to his record-setting field goal, Benton kicked off five times with four resulting in touchbacks. He also had a 43-yard average on two punts, both of which pinned Ball State inside its own 20. He also held on Clemson place kicks, except for his 61-yard attempt.